Switch operating mechanism



June 18, 1957 os SWITCH OPERATING MECHANISM 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. 16, 1955 INVENTOR. JO/ZIZ JfiL/wfi, W W W June 18, 1957 J. J. MIKOS SWITCH OPERATING MECHANISM 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Dec. 16, 1955 IN V EN TOR. Jakra J/V/tdfi, W W

June 18, 195

Filed Dec. 16, 1955 J. J.- MlKOS SWITCH OPERATING MECHANISM 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVEN TOR.

June 18, 1957 J. J. MIKOS 2,796,478

SWITCH OPERATING MECHANISM Filed Dec. 16, 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 jg 67 J6 J5 CON THOL flND o OPERATING MECH/lN/fi/V /,55 q q o t l CONTROL #5 United States Patent SWITCH OPERATING MECHANISM John J. Mikos, Highland Park, Ill., assignor to S & C

Electric Company, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Delaware Application December 16, 1955, Serial No. 553,589

14 Claims. (Cl. 200-50) This invention relates, generally, to high voltage switch operating mechanisms and it has particular relation to such mechanisms arranged to prevent unauthorized adjustment and operation thereof.

Operation of a high voltage circuit interrupter, such as a disconnecting switch or an interrupter switch mounted overhead on a pole or other structure, is often effected by a mechanism, such as a solenoid, a motor, a hydraulic ram, or like device. The operating mechanism usually is located in a cabinet or other housing at ground level and is connected through a mechanical linkage to the overhead switch in order to move it between open and closed positions. The mechanism in the cabinet may be controlled at the cabinet or from a remote point by direct wire or supervisory control.

It is usual practice to provide a door for permitting access to the interior of the cabinet. A key lock is employed to prevent unauthorized personnel having access to the interior of the cabinet. Such personnel that have access to the cabinet ordinarily will be maintenance personnel that have to do principally with the repair and supervision of the mechanism within the cabinet and may have little or nothing to do with the actual operation of the mechanism for effecting movement of the switch from open to closed position or vice versa for switching the power circuit.

Such control of the operation of the switch, aside from routine control, is intended to be under the supervision of a lineman who may have occasion to operate the switch for the repair or testing purposes or other purposes not connected with the conventional day to day operation of the system. Personnel, such as a lineman, ordinarily will not carry a key that fits the lock on the cabinet door. However, it is desirable that provision be made which will permit a lineman to operate the circuit interrupter or disconnecting switch or interrupter switch independently of the mechanism inside of the cabinet or of the remote control therefor and through means that is accessible only to the lineman and is subject only to his control.

It is desirable that the mechanism which is accessible to the lineman for independently controlling the operation of the circuit interrupter be such that there is little likelihood that he would be subjected to any hazards when he approaches the cabinet for effecting such independent operation. At the same time the construction and arrangement of the mechanism that is accessible to him should be such as to permit him to effect whatever control of the circuit interrupter he deems necessary entirely independently of the mechanism within the cabinet and entirely independent of any remote control function that might be exercised thereover.

Accordingly, among the objects of this invention are: To provide for access of personnel, such as a lineman, to the portion of the switch operating mechanism outside of the cabinet for operating the circuit interrupter or switch independently of the operating mechanism within the cabinet; to arrange for such access with a maximum "ice of safety to the lineman; to render the operating mech anism within the cabinet inoperative as soon as the lineman performs certain operations on the mechanism to which he has access; to disconnect mechanically the operating mechanism within the cabinet from the mechanism accessible to the lineman outside of the cabinet; to indicate the position of the circuit interrupter or switch regardless of whether or not the mechanical disconnection has been made; to prevent operation of the circuit interrupter or switch between open and closed positions when the mechanical disconnection has been made and the mechanism to which the lineman has access is restored to the operating condition present at the time the lineman first approached the mechanism; to provide for manually operating the circuit interrupter or switch after disconnection of the mechanism available to the lineman from the mechanism in the cabinet; to mount a manual operating handle and a clutch operating wrench in such manner that the same are available for use when the lineman moves a part of the mechanism to which he has access from its normal position; and to mount loosely the manual operating handle in order to facilitate the breaking off of ice with which it and the mechanism accessible to the lineman may be coated.

Other objects of this invention will, in part, be obvious and in part appear hereinafter.

This invention is disclosed in the embodiment thereof shown in the accompanying drawings and it comprises the features of construction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts that will be exemplified in the construction hereinafter set forth and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the appended claims.

For a more complete understanding of the nature and scope of this invention reference can be had to the following detailed description, taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a view, in front elevation, of a typical housing or cabinet in which a control and operating mechanism for an overhead circuit interrupter or disconnecting switch can be mounted and showing the mechanical connection thereto;

Figure 2 is a view, in side elevation, of the cabinet shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a view, at an enlarged scale, of the cabinet shown in Figure 1, the door of the cabinet having been removed and the mechanism that is thus exposed being shown in elevation;

Figure 4 is a view, in front elevation, of a portion of the operating mechanism shown in Figure 3, the illustration being at an enlarged scale over that shown in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a view, partly in side elevation and partly in section, showing the manner in which the connection to the overhead circuit interrupter or disconnecting switch is made through the rear wall of the cabinet;

Figure 6 is a view, in rear elevation, of the mechanism on the rear wall of the cabinet to which the lineman has access, the mechanism being shown in its normal position as it appears to the lineman when he approaches the cabinet;

Figure 7 is a view, similar to Figure 6, but showing the lock plate, that forms a part of the mechanism accessible to the lineman, swung from its normal position to its lowermost position in which the lineman can operate further the mechanism to which he has access;

Figure 8 is a view, similar to Figure, 7 showing the application of a manual operating handle to a portion of the operating mechanism in order to facilitate manual operation of the circuit interrupter or disconnecting switch;

Figure 9 is a view, partly in side elevation and partly in section, showing the mechanism that is positioned on the rear wall of the cabinet for transmitting movement from within it to the circuit interrupter or disconnecting switch located overhead, the wall itself not being shown;

Figure 10 is a view, in side elevation, of a lock bar and hexagonal plug attached thereto and forming a wrench for operating a clutch screw to disconnect the mechanism within the cabinet from the mechanism exterior thereto, the plug being as shown in alignment with an opening in the clutch screw to indicate the operative relationship between the parts; and

Figure 11 shows diagrammatically the circuit connections that can be employed in practicing this invention.

Referring now particularly to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, it will be observed that the reference character 10 designates, generally, a cabinet that may be formed of sheet metal and usually is located slightly above ground level. The cabinet 10 includes a vertical rear wall 11, Figure 3, and vertical side walls 12 with a top 13 and a bottom 14 to complete the enclosure on five sides. Any suitable supporting structure, such as that shown at 15 in Figure 2, can be employed for mounting the cabinet 10 as may be desired. The front of the cabinet 10 is closed by a door 16 which is provided with a handle 17 having a key lock 18. This is the key lock to which previous reference has been made and to which personnel ordinarily concerned with servicing the mechanism within the cabinet 10 have access. The lineman ordinarily will not have access to the key lock 18 and thus will be unable to open the door 16.

Reference now will be had to Figure 11 which shows diagrammatically the system with which the present invention is associated. The reference character 21 designates, generally, a circuit interrupter such as a three pole disconnecting switch or interrupter switch that ordinarily is mounted overhead on a pole or other structure and is connected in a high voltage transmission circuit.

The circuit interrupter 21 is connected by a mechanical linkage, shown diagrammatically by the broken line 22, and actually comprising a pipe 23, Figures 8, to a threaded socket 24 having a clevis 25 that is pivotally connected to a clutch crank 26. A connection, indicated by the broken line 27 the details of which will be dO-x scribed presently, connects the clutch crank 26 to a sprocket wheel 28 that is driven by a chain 29 from a sprocket wheel 30 that is arranged to be rocked by an arm 31 which is connected, as indicated by the broken line 32, to a control and operating mechanism, shown generally at 33, which is located within the cabinet 10. The control and operating mechanism 33 can be arranged for operation initiated within the cabinet after the door 16 has been opened or it can be connected, as indicated, to a remote control station either by direct wire or by supervisory control as is readily understood.

It will be observed that the control and operating mechanism is arranged to be energized electrically between conductors 34 and 35 which are connected by switches 36 and 37 to conductors 38 and 39 that can be energized from a suitable current source, such as a 60 cycle 115 volt source. The control and operating mechanism 33 is connected for energization to the conductors 34 and 35 through the contacts of an interlock switch 40 that are normally closed as indicated. An interlock cam 41 controls the operation of the interlock switch 40 and, as will appear hereinafter, provision is made for rocking the cam 41 under certain circumstances to open the contacts of the interlock switch 40 and prevent energization of the control and operating mechanism 33.

It is desirable to indicate the position of the circuit interrupter or disconnecting switch 21. In Figure 11 the switch 21 is shown in the open position. For this purpose a cam 44 is arranged to obe operated conjointly with the movement of the clutch crank 26 and for illustrative purposes the cam 44 is shown as being driven by the connection 27. The cam 44 controls the operation of indicating switchs 45 and 46 which in turn control the energization of indicating lamps 47 and 48 over obvious circuits to the conductors 34 and 35. It will be observed that the contacts of the indicating switch 46 are closed and that the indicating lamp 48, preferably a green indicating lamp, is energized under these conditions. When the contacts of the indicating switch 45 are closed by a rotation of the cam 44 through the indicat ing lamp 47, preferably a red lamp, is energized. At the same time the contacts of the indicating switch 46 are opened to deenergize the indicating lamp 48 all as is well understood and conventional in the art.

Referring now to Figure 3 of the drawings, it will be observed that an electrical control panel 51 is mounted on one of the side walls 12 and it will be understood that it is employed for controlling certain functions within the cabinet 10 including the operation of an electric motor 52 that is employed for driving a pump 53 to control the functioning of a hydraulic operator that is shown generally at 54. The hydraulic operator 54 and associated mechanism can be constructed as illustrated in McLuen application Serial No. 305,231, filed August 19, 1952, and assigned to the assignee of this application. However, it will be understood that other operating mechanisms can be employed in lieu of the particular hydraulic mechanism just referred to. What is required is that there be some kind of motor mechanism which can apply an operating force to the arm 31 attached to the sprocket wheel 30 for rocking it with sufiicient force through 180 to effect the movement of the circuit interrupter 21 between the open and the closed position.

Extending vertically and centrally of the rear wall 11 of the cabinet 10 is a channel base 55 which carries a bearing bracket 56 that is secured in position by bolts 57 and 58. As shown in Figure 5 of the drawings the nuts for these bolts are located inside of the cabinet 10 and hexagonal heads are provided at the outer ends. It will be pointed out hereinafter wherein means are provided for preventing access to certain of the heads of these bolts exteriorly of the cabinet 10.

Referring now to Figure 9 of the drawings, the construction there shown constitutes the connection 27, previously referred to and shown in Figure 11, which provides a mechanical connection between the clutch crank 26 and the sprocket wheel 28. The sprocket wheel 28 is fast on a driven shaft 61 which is rockably mounted in the bearing bracket 56 about a horizontal axis and it extends from within the cabinet 10 through its rear wall 11 to the exterior thereof. Fast on the exterior portion of the driven shaft 61 is a driving arm 62 that is movable in a vertical plane parallel to the rear wall 11. A semi-circular key 63 extending between the driven shaft 61 and the driving arm 62 insures that the latter moves conjointly with the former. It will be observed that the driven shaft 61 projects through the driving arm 62 to provide an extension 64. An 0 ring 65 provides a seal between the driving arm 62 and the surface of the extension 64 on which the clutch crank 26 is rockably mounted. In this manner the clutch crank 26 is rockably mounted exteriorly of the cabinet 10 about a horizontal axis and this horizontal axis is coincident with the axis of rotation of the driven shaft 61. Extending from the clutch crank 26 and formed integrally therewith is an arm 66 provided with an aperture 67 for receiving a pin 68, Figure 5, that extends through the clevis 25 which forms a part of the threaded socket 24.

It was pointed out hereinbefore that the position of the cam 44 corresponds to the position of the clutch crank 26. This is effected mechanically by providing a connection extending through the driven shaft 61. Se cured by a tapered pin 69 to the clutch crank 26 is a position indicating shaft 70 that extends through and is journaled in the driven shaft 61. Thus the position indicating shaft 70 extends into the cabinet 10 and at its inner end it carries the cam 44 for controlling the operation of the indicating switches 45 and 46 as described previously.

Provision is made for establishing a mechanical connection between the clutch crank 26 and the driving arm 62. For this purpose a clutch screw 73 is employed. It will be noted that the intermediate portion of the clutch screw 73 is threaded in the clutch crank 26 for movement along a horizontal axis that is parallel to the axis of rotation of the clutch crank 26. At one end the clutch screw 73 is provided with a dog 74 which projects in the driving arm 62. As long as the dog 74 is located within the aperture 75 there is a positive driving between the clutch crank 26 and the driving arm 62. In such case rotation of the driven shaft 61 effects similar rotation of the clutch crank 26 and operation of the circuit interrupter 21 from one position to the other depending upon the direction of rotation.

At the other end of the clutch screw 73 there is socket head 76 provided with a central hexagonal opening 77 which is arranged to receive a hexagonal plug 78 that extends laterally from one end of a lock bar 79. It will be observed that the socket head 76 is located in a countersunk opening 80 wholly within the confines of the clutch crank 26. Thus, when the clutch screw 73 occupies the position shown in Figure 9 with the dog 74 projecting into the aperture 75, the socket head 76 is located below the vertical left hand surface of the clutch crank 26.

In order to limit the movement of the clutch screw 73 in the unclutched direction of operation it is provided with a reduced section 81 and transversely extending pins 82 cooperate with the inner end of this reduced section 81 to limit the outward movement of the clutch screw 73 as it is turned by the lock bar 79 when the hexagonal plug 78 is inserted in the hexagonal opening 77.

It will be understood that the clutch screw 73 and the lock bar 79 with the hexagonal plug 78 are provided to permit a lineman to interrupt the mechanical connection between the driven shaft 61 and the clutch crank 26. This not only prevents operation of the circuit interrupter 21 by energization of the control and operating mechanism 33 within the cabinet 10, but also it permits the lineman to operate the circuit interrupter 21 entirely independently of such mechanism. However, provision must be made to prevent unauthorized access to the clutch screw 73.

With a view to preventing such unauthorized access to clutch screw 73 and for other purposes a generally U-shaped housing 85, Figures 5-8, is employed on the rear wall 11 and positioned so as to extend vertically along side of the clutch crank 26 and of the driven shaft 61. The housing 85 includes a rear portion 86 that is secured by the bolts 57 and 58 to the rear wall 11, it being understood that these bolts project also through the base of the channel 55 and through the foot portion of the bearing bracket 56 as shown in Figure 5. The U-shaped housing 85 also includes an intermediate portion 87 and a front portion 88 that is spaced a substantial distance from the rear portion 86. As shown more clearly in Figure 7 of the drawings a C-shaped cut away portion 89 is provided in the rear portion 86 and a similar portion 90 is provided in the front portion 88 to provide clearance around the clutch crank 26 and the mechanism associated therewith.

It will be observed in Figure 6 that the housing 85 is positioned along an axis 91 that is inclined a few degrees away from the vertical axis 92. This arrangement facilitates the location of an over center stop member in the form of a pair of plates 93 that are located as shown in Figure 6 at the upper left hand corner of the housing 85 and preferably are welded to the rear portion 86 and the front portion of the housing 85 as well as to the intermediate portion 87. It will be observed that the arm 66 of the clutch crank 26 bears against the right hand edges of the plates 93 and in this position the center of the pin 68 is located along the axis 91 and slightly to the left of the axes 92 which extends through the axis of rotation of the clutch crank 26. Thus, the pin 68 is in an over center position so that any down ward thrust on the pipe 23 which is transmitted to the threaded socket 24 cannot effect any movement of the clutch crank 26. As shown in Figure 5, the lower of the two plates 93 is engaged by the arm 62 and thus is aligned with the clutch crank 26 for receiving the dog end 74 of the clutch screw 73.

Attention is called to the fact that the plates 93 are located on opposite sides of the hexagonal head of one of the bolts 58 and in close proximity thereto. This prevents unauthorized access to these bolts. Similarly plates 94 above and below the lower of the bolts 58 prevent unauthorized access thereto.

It will be understood that the clutch crank 26 can be swung from its position shown in Figures 6 and 7 of the drawings through 180 to its position shown in Figure 8 of the drawings. In either of these positions the front portion 88 of the housing 85 overlies the socket head 76 of the clutch screw 73. Access to the hexagonal opening 77 therein is permitted in either of these positions by openings 97 and 98 in the front portion 88 of the housing 85. It will be understood that the hexagonal plug 78 carried by the lock bar 79 can be inserted through one or the other of the openings 97 or 98 into the hexagonal opening 77 for the purpose of rotating the clutch screw 73 to move the dog 74 out of or into engagement with the driving arm 62 as described previously. When the plug 78 is inserted through either of the openings 97 or 98 into the hexagonal opening 77, the clutch crank is locked against movement.

As shown in Figure 9 the left hand end of the clutch crank 26 is provided with an operating handle receiving portion 99 that has a radially extending rib 100. This construction is employed for receiving a socket 101 of a manual operating handle 102, the socket 101 having a recess 103 for interfitting with the rib 100 in order to provide non-rotative engagement between the socket 101 and the operating handle receiving portion 99. A hand hold 104 at the outer end of the manual operating handle 102 facilitates engagement by the lineman and rotation of the clutch crank 26 to move manually the circuit interrupter 21 from one position to the other.

It is desirable that the manual operating handle 102 be readily available to the lineman. For this purpose provision is made for mounting it along one side of the housing overlying the intermediate portion 87 thereof as shown in Figures 5 and 6 of the drawings. It will be observed that the socket 101 overlies the upper of the two plates 93 forming the over center stop member and that it extends downwardly over the intermediate portion 87 of the housing 85 through a slot 105, Figure 7, that is formed by a bracket 106 which is welded to the intermediate portion 87. It will be observed that the bracket 106 extends generally at right angles to the rear wall 11 and that it has out turned flange 107 at its outer end which is spaced slightly back of the plane of the front portion 88 of the housing 85 for a purpose to be set forth presently.

In order to confine the manual operating handle 102 to the position shown in Figures 5 and 6 a detent 108 is secured thereto intermediate its ends and it underlies the lower edge of the bracket 106.

With a view to preventing unauthorized operation of the clutch screw 73 a lock plate 111 is employed. The lock plate 111 is secured near its lower end to the outer end of an interlock shaft 112 which, as shown in Figures 5 and 11 of the drawings, carries the interlock cam 41 at its inner end. The interlock shaft 112 extends through and is journaled in a sleeve 113 that extends between and is welded to the portions 86 and 88 of the housing 85. The normal position of the lock plate 111 is as shown in Figures 5 and 6 of the drawings 7 where it overlies the front portion 88 of the housing 85. In this position the lock plate 111 also overlies the openings 97 and 98 which permit access to the socket head 76 of the clutch screw 73 and also overlies the operating handle receiving portion 99 so that access thereto also is prevented.

It will be understood that, when the clutch screw 73 is withdrawn part way from the clutch crank 26, the socket head 76 will project beyond the front wall of the clutch crank. In order to prevent movement of the clutch crank 26 when the clutch screw 73 has been thus withdrawn, lugs 114 and 115 are formed on the lock plate 111 and project inwardly. As shown in Figure 6 these lugs 114 and 115 register with the openings 97 and 98 with one or the other of which the socket head 76 also registers depending upon the position of the clutch crank 26. Thus, when the lock plate 111 occupies the position as shown in Figure 6 and the clutch screw 73 has been withdrawn, it is not possible to rock the clutch crank 26 from one position to the other or to effect corresponding operation of the circuit interrupter 21.

It is desirable that the lock bar 79 carrying the hexagonal plug 78 be available to the lineman when he rocks the lock plate 111 from the position shown in Figure 6 to the position shown in Figure 7. Also it is desirable to prevent unauthorized movement of the lock plate 111. With these purposes in mind registering apertures 116 and 117 are provided in the lock plate 111 and in the flange 107 respectively for receiving the hexagonal plug 78 therethrough while the lock bar 79 overlies the outer side of the lock plate 111 as shown in Figure 6.

Finally it is desired that unauthorized movement of the lock bar 79 be prevented. To this end registering apertures 118 and 119 are provided, respectively, in the lock plate 111 and in the lock bar 79 and an additional set of registering apertures 120 and 121 are provided therein. These two sets of apertures are arranged to receive hasps 122 and 123 of padlocks 124 and 125 to which separate keys can be provided thereby requiring the presence of an individual having both keys or two individuals each having the proper key for unlocking the padlocks 124 and 125 as the case may be. Preferably the manual operating handle 102 is loosely held in the slot 105 on the housing 85. One reason for this is to facilitate breaking it loose in the event that the mechanism associated therewith should become encased in ice. It is possible for the lineman to shake the manual operating handle 102 sufficiently to crack and break off any ice that the mechanism is likely to be encased in.

In describing the operation of the invention it will be assumed that the circuit interrupter 21 is in the closed position with the indicating switch 45 closed and the red. indicating light 47 lighted. Further, it will be assumed that a lineman approaches the cabinet 10 and desires to move the circuit interrupter 21 from the closed to the open position. Under these conditions the mechanism on the rear wall 11 of the cabinet 10 appears to the lineman as illustrated in Figure 6 of the drawings. Further, it will be assumed that the lineman or two linemen have the necessary keys for unlocking the padlocks 124 and 125 and that they do not have a key for operating the key lock 18.

The necessary keys are inserted in the padlocks 124 and 125 and the hasps 122 and 123 thereof are removed. This frees the lock bar 79 and the hexagonal plug 79 thereof can be withdrawn from the apertures 116 and 117 in the lock plate 111 and the flange 107 respectively. Next the lock plate 111 can be swung from the position shown in Figure 6 to the position shown in Figure 7.

During this operation no automatic movement of the driving arm 62 can take place since the first effect of the rotation of the lock plate 111 from its position shown in Figure 6 is to rotate the cam 41 in the direction indicated by the arrow 126 to open the contacts of the interlock switch 40. Thereby the control and operating mechanism 33 is deenergized and, even if an attempt is made'to operate it over remote control, no action can take place. The lineman now inserts the hexagonal plug 78 through the opening 97 into the hexagonal opening 77 in the socket head 76 and turns the clutch screw 73 in a direction to withdraw the dog 74 from the aperture 75. After the dog 74 has been withdrawn from the aperture 75, the driving arm 62 is mechanically disconnected from the clutch crank 26. The plug 78 is withdrawn from the socket head 76 to permit operation of the clutch crank 26.

Next, the lineman removes the manual operating handle 102 from its position in the slot along side of the U-shaped housing 85 and applies the socket 101 to the operating handle receiving portion 99 of the clutch crank 26 as shown in Figure 8. When the handle 102 is applied to the operating handle receiving portion 99 in its position as shown in Figure 7, the handle extends downwardly. Thereupon the lineman grasps the hand hold 104 and swings the handle 102 in a clockwise direction from its lowermost position to the upright position shown in Figure 8. The clutch crank 26 is swung through 180 and the hexagonal opening 77 in the socket head 76 is shifted out of registry with the opening 97 and into registry with the opening 98.

If it is desired to leave the circuit interrupter 21 in the open position as the result of the foregoing sequence of operations, the handle 102 is removed and replaced in the slot 105. Then the lock plate 111 is swung back to its normal position as shown in Figure 6 and the lock bar 79 is replaced with the hexagonal plug 78 extending through the opening 116 in the lock plate 111 and also through the aperture 117 in the flange 107. Thereafter one or both of the padlocks 124 and 125 are replaced. Under these assumed conditions the lug registers with the withdrawn socket head 78 of the clutch screw 73 and the clutch crank 26 thereby is precluded from movement from the switch open position.

Under these conditions when the lock plate 111 is returned to its normal position, the contacts of interlock switch 40 are closed and the control and ope-rating mechanism 33 can be controlled from a remote point. However, since the clutch screw 73 is withdrawn, the only result is to shift the driving arm 62 from one position to another. No movement of the clutch crank 26 or operation of the circuit interrupter 21 can take place.

It will be noted that the indicating lamp 47 or 48 that is lighted indicates the actual position of the circuit interrupter 21. The reason for this is that the position indicating shaft 70 is connected directly to and rotates with the clutch crank 26 which, in turn, is connected to the circuit interrupter 21. Thus, regardless of the connection or disconnection of the clutch crank 26 to the driving arm 62, the cam 44, which controls the operation of the indicating switches 45 and 46, always assumes a position corresponding to that of the circuit interrupter 21 and, under certain instances, this position may disagree with the position to which the control and operating mechanism has been operated by its control.

It will be observed that all of the operations by the lineman in freeing the lock plate 111 for movement take place in front of it and well away from the clutch crank 26 and parts attached thereto. The lock bar 79 and padlocks 124 and are located on the side of the mechanism opposite the pipe 23 forming a part of the operating linkage 22. Should the control and operating mechanism 33 be energized from a remote point while the lineman is unlocking the padlocks 124 and 125 and removing the lock bar 79, there is little likelihood of any injury to the lineman. Of course, once he has been able to swing the lock plate 111 from its position shown in Figure 6 sufficiently far to rotate the intenlock cam 41 and open the contacts of the interlock switch 40, the likelihood of an operation under remote control is immediately removed.

Since certain changes can be made in the foregoing con- 9 struction and different embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it is intended that all matter shown in the accompanying drawings and described hereinbefore shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed as new is:

l. Mechanism for opening and closing a circuit interrupter comprising, in combination, a cabinet, operating mechanism within said cabinet, a horizontally disposed driven shaft rockably mounted on and extending through a vertical wall of said cabinet and operatively connected to said mechanism, a crank member rockably mounted about a horizontal axis exteriorly of said wall for mechanical connection to said circuit interrupter, clutch means operatively interconnecting said driven shaft and said crank member, and movable locking means cooperating with said clutch means for preventing unauthorized operation of the latter.

2. Mechanism for opening and closing a circuit interrupter comprising, in combination, a cabinet, operating mechanism within said cabinet, a horizontally disposed driven shaft rockably mounted on and extending through a vertical wall of said cabinet and operatively connected to said mechanism, a crank member rockably mounted about a horizontal axis exteriorly of said Wall for mechanical connection to said circuit interrupter, signalling means responsive to movement of said crank member for indicating the position of said circuit interrupter, clutch means operatively interconnecting said driven shaft and said crank member, and movable locking means cooperating with said clutch means for preventing unauthorized operation of the latter.

3. Mechanism for opening and closing a circuit interrupter comprising, in combination, a cabinet, operating mechanism within said cabinet, a horizontally disposed driven shaft rockably mounted on and extending through a vertical wall of said cabinet and operatively connected to said mechanism, a crank member rockably mounted about a horizontal axis exteriorly of said wall of mechanical connection to said circuit interrupter, clutch means operatively interconnecting said driven shaft and said crank member, movable locking means cooperating with said clutch means for preventing unauthorized op eration of the latter, and means responsive to movement of said locking means out of cooperation With said clutch means for preventing operation of said operating mechanism.

4. Mechanism for opening and closing a circuit in terrupter comprising, in combination, a cabinet, control and operating mechanism within said cabinet energizable "from an electric current source through a normally closed interlock switch, a horizontally disposed driven shaft rockably mounted on and extending through a vertical wall of said cabinet and operatively connected to said mechanism, a crank member rockably mounted about a horizontal axis exteriorly of said wall for mechanical connection to said circuit interrupter, clutch means operatively interconnecting said driven shaft and said crank member, movable locking means cooperating with said clutch means for preventing unauthorized operation of the latter, and means responsive to movement of said locking means out of cooperation with said clutch means for opening said interlock switch to prevent operation of said operating mechanism.

5. Mechanism for opening and closing a circuit interrupter comprising, in combination, a cabinet, operating mechanism within said cabinet, a horizontally disposed driven shaft rockably mounted on and extending through a vertical wall of said cabinet and operatively connected to said mechanism, a crank member rockably mounted on said driven shaft for mechanical connection to said circuit interrupter, a position indicating shaft se cured to and rotatable with said crank member and journaled in and extending through said driven shaft into said cabinet, signalling means operable by said position indicating shaft for indicating the position of said 10 circuit interrupter, clutch means operatively interconnecting said driven shaft and said crank member, and movable locking means cooperating with said clutch means for preventing unauthorized operation of the latter.

6. Mechanism for opening and closing a circuit interrupter comprising, in combination, a cabinet, control and operating mechanism within said cabinet energizable from an electric current source through a normally closed interlock switch, a horizontally disposed driven shaft rockably mounted on and extending through a vertical wall of said cabinet and operatively connected to said mechanism, a crank member rockably mounted on said driven shaft for mechanical connection to said circuit interrupter, a position indicating shaft secured to and rotatable with said crank member and journaled in and extending through said driven shaft into said cabinet, signalling means operable by said position indicating shaft for indicating the position of said circuit interrupter, clutch means operatively interconnecting said driven shaft and said crank member, and movable locking means cooperating with said clutch means for opening said interlock switch .to prevent operation of said operating mechanism.

7. Mechanism for opening and closing a circuit interrupter comprising, in combination, a cabinet, operating mechanism within said cabinet, a bearing bracket inside said cabinet and mounted on a vertical wall thereof, a driven shaft rockably mounted on said bearing bracket and operatively connected to said mechanism, said driven shaft extending through and beyond said wall and having a radially extending driving arm fast thereon for movement in a plane parallel to said wall, a clutch crank journaled on the extended portion of said driven shaft for movement in a plane parallel to said plane of movement of said driving arm and including a radially extending driven arm for mechanical connection to said circuit interrupter, said clutch crank and driven arm being rockable from one position substantially through a half revolution to another position to effect movement of said circuit interrupter from closed to open position and vice versa, a clutch screw threaded in said clutch crank along an axis parallel to its axis of rotation and having a dog at one end and a wrench receiving head at the other end with the dog projecting into a registering aperture in said driving arm thereby effecting conjoint movement between said clutch crank and said driving arm, a housing secured to the exterior of said wall of said cabinet and extending generally vertically along one side of said driven shaft and clutch crank, a lock plate rockably mounted on the lower portion of said housing and movable away from its normal position overlying said wrench receiving head of said clutch screw in either position of said clutch crank, an outwardly extending flange secured to said housing parallel to and overlaid by said lock plate in its normal position, said flange having an aperture registering with an aperture in said lock plate, and a lock bar having a plug extending laterally from one end and projecting through said registering apertures to prevent movement of said lock plate from said normal position, said lock bar overlying said lock plate and there being at least one set of registering apertures in said lock bar and lock plate for receiving. the hasp of a padlock to prevent unauthorized removal of said lock bar and movement of said lock plate from said normal position.

8. Mechanism for opening and closing a circuit interrupter comprising, in combination, a cabinet, control and operating mechanism within said cabinet energizable from an electric current source through a normally closed interlock switch, a bearing bracket inside said cabinet and mounted on a vertical wall thereof, a driven shaft rockably mounted on said bearing bracket and operatively connected to said mechanism, said driven shaft extending through and beyond said wall and having a radially extending driving arm fast thereon for movement in a plane parallel to said wall, a clutch crank arm journaled on the extended portion of said driven shaft for movement in a plane parallel to said plane of movement of said driving arm and including a radially extending driven arm for mechanical connection to said circuit interrupter, said clutch crank and driven arm being rockable from one position substantially through a half revolution to another position to effect movement of said circuit interrupter from closed to open position and vice versa, a clutch screw threaded in said clutch crank along an axis parallel to its axis of rotation and having a dog at one end and a wrench receiving head at the other end with the dog projecting into a registering aperture in said driving arm thereby effecting conjoint movement between said clutch crank and said driving arm, a housing secured to the exterior of said wall of said cabinet and extending generally vertically along one side of said driven shaft and clutch crank, a lock plate fast on the outer end of an interlock shaft journaled on the lower portion of said housing and extending into said cabinet, an interlock cam fast on the inner end of said interlock shaft and cooperating with said interlock switch for opening the same on movement of said lock plate away from its normal position overlying said wrench receiving head of said clutch screw in either position of said clutch crank, an outwardly extending flange secured to said housing parallel to and overlaid by said lock plate in its normal position, said flange having an aperture registering with an aperture in said lock plate, and a lock bar having a plug extending laterally from one end and projecting through said registering apertures to prevent movement of said lock plate from said normal position, said lock bar overlying said lock plate and there being at least one set of registering apertures in said lock bar and lock plate for receiving the hasp of a padlock to prevent unauthorized removal of said lock bar and movement of said lock plate from said normal position.

9. Mechanism for opening and closing a circuit interrupter comprising, in combination, a cabinet, control and operating mechanism within said cabinet energizable from an electric current source through a normally closed interlock switch, a bearing bracket inside said cabinet and mounted on a vertical wall thereof, a driven shaft rockably mounted on said bearing bracket and operatively connected to said mechanism, said driven shaft extending through and beyond said wall and having a radially extending driving arm fast thereon for movement in a plane parallel to said wall, a clutch crank journaled on the extended portion of said driven shaft for movement in a plane parallel to said plane of movement of said driving arm and including a radially extending driven arm for mechanical connection to said circuit interrupter, said clutch crank and driven arm being rockable from one position substantially through a half revolution to another position to effect movement of said circuit interrupter from closed to open position and vice versa, a position indicating shaft secured to and rotatable with said clutch crank and journaled in and extending through said driven shaft and beyond the same in said cabinet, a cam fast on the inner end of said position indicating shaft, switch means operated by said cam, indicating means controlled by said switch means to show whether said circuit interrupter is closed or open, a clutch screw threaded in said clutch crank along an axis parallel to its axis of rotation and having a dog at one end and a wrench receiving head at the othed end with the dog projecting into a registering aperture in said driving arm thereby effecting conjoint movement between said clutch crank and said driving arm, a housing secured to the exterior of said wall of said cabinet end extending generally vertically along one side of said driven shaft and clutch crank, a lock plate fast on the outer end of an interlock shaft journaled on the lower portion of said housing and extending into said cabinet, an interlock cam fast on the inner end of said interlock shaft and cooperating with said interlock switch for opening the same on movement of said lock plate away from its normal position overlying said wrench receiving head of said clutch screw in either position of said clutch crank, an outwardly extending flange secured to said housing parallel to and overlaid by said lock plate in its normal position, said flange having an aperture registering with an aperture in said lock plate, and a lock bar having a plug extending laterally from one end and projecting through said registering apertures to prevent movement of said lock plate from said normal position, said lock bar overlying said lock plate and there being at least one set of registering apertures in said lock bar and lock plate for receiving the hasp of a padlock to prevent unauthorized removal of said lock bar and movement of said lock plate from said normal position.

10. Mechanism for opening and closing a circuit interrupter comprising, in combination, a cabinet, operating mechanism within said cabinet, a bearing bracket inside said cabinet and mounted on a vertical wall thereof, a driven shaft rockably mounted on said bearing bracket and operatively connected to said mechanism, said driven shaft extending through and beyond said wall and having a radially extending driving arm fast thereon for movement in a plane parallel to said wall, a clutch crank journaled on the extended portion of said driven shaft for movement in a plane parallel to said plane of movement of said driving arm and including a radially extending driven arm for mechanical connection to said circuit interrupter, said clutch crank and driven arm being rockable from a position slightly past a vertical upright position downwardly through a half revolution to effect movement of said circuit interrupter from closed to open position and vice versa, a position indicating shaft secured to and rotatable with said clutch crank and journaled in and extending through said driven shaft and beyond the same in said cabinet, a cam fast on the inner end of said position indicating shaft, switch means operated by said cam, indicating means controlled by said switch means to show whether said circuit interrupter is closed or open, a clutch screw threaded in said clutch crank along an axis parallel to its axis of rotation and having a dog at one end and a wrench receiving head at the other end with the dog projecting into a registering aperture in said driving arm thereby effecting conjoint movement between said clutch crank and said driving arm, a housing secured to the exterior of said wall of said cabinet and extending generally vertically along one side of said driven shaft and clutch crank, said housing carrying an over center stop member at the upper end of engaging said clutch crank in said position thereof slightly past said vertical upright position, a lock plate rockably mounted on the lower portion of said housing and movable away from its normal position overlying said wrench receiving head of said clutch screw in either the upright or depending position of said clutch crank, an outwardly extending flange secured to said housing parallel to and overlaid by said lock plate in its normal position, said flange having an aperture registering with an aperture in said lock plate, and a lock bar having a plug extending laterally from one end and projecting through said registering apertures to prevent movement of said lock plate from said normal position, said lock bar overlying said lock plate and there being at least one set of registering apertures in said lock bar and lock plate for receiving the hasp of a padlock to prevent unauthorized removal of said lock bar and movement of said lock plate from said normal position.

11. Mechanism for opening and closing a circuit interrupter comprising, in combination, a cabinet, operating mechanism within said cabinet, a bearing bracket inside said cabinet and mounted on a vertical wall thereof, a driven shaft rockably mounted on said bearing bracket and operatively connected to said mechanism, said driven shaft extending through and beyond said wall and having a radially extending driving arm fast thereon for movement in a plane parallel to said Wall, a clutch crank journalled on the extended portion of said driven shaft for movement in a plane parallel to said plane of movement of said driving arm and including a radially extending driven arm for mechanical connection to said circuit interrupter, said clutch crank and driven arm being rockable from one position substantially through a half revolution to another position to effect movement of said circuit interrupter from closed to open position and vice versa, a clutch screw threaded in said clutch crank along an axis parallel to its axis of rotation and having a dog at one end and a wrench receiving head at the other end with the dog projecting into a registering aperture in said driving arm thereby effecting conjoint movement between said clutch crank and said driving arm and the wrench receiving head lying with said clutch crank when said dog projects into said aperture, a housing secured to the exterior of said wall of said cabinet and extending generally vertically along one side of said driven shaft and clutch crank, a lock plate rockably mounted on the lower portion of said housing and movable away from its normal position overlying said wrench receiving head of said clutch screw in either position of said clutch crank, an outwardly extending flange secured to said housing parallel to and overlaid by said lock plate in its normal position, said flange having an aperture registering with an aperture in said lock plate, a lock bar having a plug extending laterally from one end and projecting through said registering apertures to prevent move ment of said lock plate from said normal position, said lock bar overlying said lock plate and there being at least one set of registering apertures in said lock bar and lock plate for receiving the hasp of a padlock to prevent unauthorized removal of said lock bar and movement of said lock plate from said normal position, and lugs carried by said lock plate in registering relation with said wrench receiving head when said clutch screw has been withdrawn to disengage said dog from said aperture in said driving arm in either position of said clutch crank to prevent movement thereof as long as said lock plate occupies its normal position.

12. Mechanism for opening and closing a circuit interrupter comprising, in combination, a cabinet, operating mechanism within said cabinet, a bearing bracket inside said cabinet and mounted on a vertical wall thereof, a driven shaft rockably mounted on said bearing bracket and operatively connected to said mechanism, said driven shaft extending through and beyond said wall and having a radially extending driving arm fast thereon for movement in a plane parallel to said wall, a clutch crank journaled on the extended portion of said driven shaft for movement in a plane parallel to said plane of movement of said driving arm and including a radially extending driven arm for mechanical connection to said circuit interrupter and an operating handle receiving portion at its outer end, said clutch crank and driven arm being rockable from one position substantially through a half revolution to another position to eifect movement of said circuit interrupter from closed to open position and vice versa, a clutch screw threaded in said clutch crank along an axis parallel to its axis of rotation and having a dog at one end and a wrench receiving head at the other end with the dog projecting into a registering aperture in said driving arm thereby effecting conjoint movement between said clutch crank and said driving arm, a housing secured to the exterior of said Wall of said cabinet and extending generally vertically along one side of said driven shaft and clutch crank, a bracket extending vertically along the exterior of said housing at right angles to said wall of said cabinet for receiving a manual operating handle receiving portion of said clutch crank, said socket of said handle normally overlying the upper end of said housing with the handle extending downwardly between said bracket and said housing and having a detent projecting underneath said housing whereby removal of said handle is prevented except by horizontal withdrawal thereof, a lock plate rockably mounted on the lower portion of said housing and movable away from its normal position overlying said handle and said wrench receiving head of said clutch screw in either position of said clutch crank, said bracket having an outwardly turned flange parallel to and overlaid by said lock plate in its normal position, said flange having an aper ture registering with an aperture in said lock plate, and a lock bar having a plug extending laterally from one end and projecting through said registering apertures to prevent movement of said lock plate from said normal position, said lock bar overlying said lock plate and there being at least one set of registering apertures in said lock bar and lock plate for receiving the hasp of a padlock to prevent unauthorized removal of said lock bar and movement of said lock plate from said normal position.

13. Mechanism for opening and closing a circuit interrupter comprising, in combination, a cabinet, operating mechanism within said cabinet, a bearing bracket inside said cabinet and mounted on a vertical wall there.of,-a driven shaft rockably mounted on said bearing bracket and operatively connected to said mechanism, said driven shaft extending through and beyond said wall and having a radially extending driving arm fast thereon for movement in a plane parallel to said wall, a clutch crank journaled on the extended portion of said driven shaft for movement in a plane parallel to said plane of movement of said driving arm and including a radially extending driven arm for mechanical connection to said circuit interrupter and an operating handle receiving portion at its outer end, said clutch crank and driven arm being rockable from one position substantially through a half revolution to another position to effect movement of said circuit interrupter from closed to open position and vice versa, a clutch screw threaded in said clutch crank along an axis parallel to its axis of rotation and having a dog at one end and a socket head at the other end with the dog projecting into a registering aperture in said driving arm thereby effecting conjoint movement between said clutch crank and said driving arm, a housing secured to the exterior of said wall of said cabinet and extending generally vertically along one side of said driven shaft and clutch crank, a bracket extending vertically along the exterior of said housing at right angles to said wall of said cabinet for receiving a manual operating handle having a socket at one end for application to said operating handle receiving portion of said clutch crank, said socket of said handle normally overlying the upper end of said housing with the handle extending downwardly between said bracket and said housing and having a detent projecting underneath said housing whereby removal of said handle is prevented except by horizontal withdrawal thereof, a lock plate rockably mounted on the lower portion of said housing and movable away from its normal position overlying said handle and said socket head of said clutch screw in either position of said clutch crank, said bracket having an outwardly turned flange parallel to and overlaid by said lock plate in its normal position, said flange having an aperture registering with an aperture in said lock plate, and a lock bar having a plug extending laterally from one end and projecting through said registering apertures to prevent movement of said lock plate from said normal position, said lock bar overlying said lock plate and there being at least one set of registering apertures in said lock bar and lock plate for receiving the hasp of a padlock to prevent unauthorized removal of said lock bar and movement of said lock plate from said normal position, said plug being insertable in said socket head to turn said clutch screw.

14. Mechanism for opening and closing a circuit interrupter comprising, in combination, a cabinet having a door and a key lock therefor, control and operating mechanism within said cabinet energizable from an electric current source through a normally closed interlock switch, a bearing bracket inside said cabinet and mounted on a vertical wall thereof, a driven shaft rockably mounted on said bearing bracket and operatively connected to said mechanism, said driven shaft extending through and beyond said wall and having a radially extending driving arm fast thereon for movement in a plane parallel to said wall, a clutch crank journaled on the extended portion of said driven shaft for movement in a plane parallel to said plane of movement of said driving arm and including a radially extending driven arm for mechanical connection to said circuit interrupter and an operating handle receiving portion at its outer end, said clutch crank and driven arm being rockable from a position slightly past a vertical upright position downwardly through a half revolution to effect movement of said circuit interrupter from closed to open position and vice versa, a position indicating shaft secured to and rotatable with said clutch crank and journaled in and extending through said driven shaft and beyond the same in said cabinet, a cam fast on the inner end of said position indicating shaft, switch means operated by said cam, indicating means controlled by said switch means to show whether said circuit interrupter is closed or open, a clutch screw threaded in said clutch crank along an axis parallel to its axis of rotation and having a dog at one end and a socket head at the other end with the dog projecting into a registering aperture in said driving arm thereby effecting conjoint movement between said clutch crank and said driving arm and the socket head lying within said clutch crank when said dog projects into said aperture, a housing secured by a plurality of bolts to the exterior of said wall of said cabinet and extending generally vertically along one side of said driven shaft and clutch crank, said housing carrying an over center stop member at the upper end for engaging said clutch crank in said position thereof slightly past said vertical upright position and also carrying means preventing access to certain of said bolts externally of said cabinet, a bracket extending vertically along the exterior 4 of said housing at right angles to said Wall of said cabinet for receiving a manual operating handle having a socket at one end for application to said operating handle receiving portion of said clutch crank, said socket of said handle normally overlying the upper end of said housing with the handle extending downwardly between said bracket and said housing and having a detent projecting underneath said housing whereby removal of said handle is prevented except by horizontal withdrawal thereof, a lock plate fast on the outer end of an interlock shaft journaled on the lower portion of said housing and extending into said cabinet, an interlock cam fast on the inner end of said interlock shaft and cooperating with said interlock switch for opening the same on movement of said lock plate away from its normal position overlying said handle and said socket head of said clutch screw in either the upright or depending position of said clutch crank, said bracket having an outwardly turned flange parallel to and overlaid by said lock plate in its normal position, said flange having an aperture registering with an aperture in said lock plate, a lock bar having a plug extending laterally from one end and projecting through said registering apertures to prevent movement of said lock plate from said normal position, said lock bar overlying said lock plate and there being at least one set of registering apertures in said lock bar and lock plate for receiving the hasp of a padlock to prevent unauthorized removal of said lock bar and operating handdle and movement of said lock plate from said normal position, said plug being insertable in said socket head to turn said clutch screw, and lugs carried by said lock plate in registering relation with said socket head when said clutch screw has been withdrawn to disengage said dog from said aperture in said driving arm in either the upright or depending position of said clutch crank to prevent movement thereof as long as said lock plate occupies its normal position.

Platt Nov. 25, 1919 Broadwell Jan. 5, 1926 

